Central Focus: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines in Ohio as they snatched up Jeff Carter from the Philadelphia Flyers. They dealt away Jabuk Voracek and a 1st round pick (8th overall - Sean Couturier) to get Carter, which seems like a potentially steep price. Carter has been injured often, but when he's healthy, he's a complete sniper. This might be what Rick Nash needs to help the jackets into the playoffs.

Departures

PLAYER

2011-12 Team

Andrew Murray, C

San Jose

Sami Lepisto, D

Chicago

Mike Commodore, D

Detroit

Jan Hejda, D

Colorado

Scottie Upshall, RW

Florida

Mathieu Garon, G

Tampa Bay

Jakub Voracek, RW

Philadelphia

Craig Rivet, D

Free Agent

Ethan Moreau, LW

Free Agent

Anton Stralman, D

Free Agent

Chris Clark, LW

Free Agent

Arrivals

PLAYER

FROM

Jeff Carter, C

Philadelphia

Vinny Prospal, LW

New York R

Radek Martinek, D

New York I

Aaron Johnson, D

Nashville

Curtis Sanford, G

Montreal

James Wisniewski, D

Montreal

Cody Bass, C

Ottawa

Wisniewski is probably the key signing, even over Carter. It gives the Jackets a legitimate top 2 defenceman (while some Habs fans might disagree). Based on what the jackets had, this is a huge upgrade. The only problem is they have no depth at all. Prospal will fit nicely into Huselius' spot until he returns from a torn pectoral muscle tear. Martinek was a key feature on Long Island, and will get a chance to play top 4 minutes with Columbus.

Blue Jackets Forwards

Rick Nash

Jeff Carter

Kristian Huselius*

Vinny Prospal

Antoine Vermette

R.J. Umberger

Matt Calvert

Derick Brassard

Jared Boll

Derek Dorsett

Ryan Johansen

Samuel Pahlsson

Derek MacKenize

Cody Bass

*Huselius is out indefinitely (IR)

Blue Jackets Defensemen

James Wisniewski

Fedor Tyutin

Grant Clitsome

Marc Methot

Kris Russell

Radek Martinek

John Moore

Aaron Johnson

Blue Jackets Goaltenders

Steve Mason

Curtis Sanford

Mark Dekanich

New Acquisition

Expect Steve Mason to crank out more starts, which might be what he needs. After winning the Calder a few years ago, Mason hasn't really been the same. He split time with Garon, but with Garon gone to Tampa and the likely backup (Sanford or Dekanich) likely to be only a once every 6-7 starts type goalie. In all likelihood, the Blue Jackets will need another year of rebuilding to get back to the playoffs. Carter and Wisniewski are a nice step, but it won't be enough. They are good enough to beat the Blues in the Central, but won't have enough to beat out Detroit, Chicago or Nashville.